Prescribing laws mark new era for paramedic profession
Abstract
In this article,
The announcement of changes to laws allowing paramedics to independently prescribe marks a pivotal step in the progression of the profession. Having come into force on 1 April, it is the culmination of a long journey that has patient care at its core.
It is anticipated that advanced paramedics who undertake the required additional training will be qualified to prescribe by early 2019. Those who successfully complete an approved prescribing programme will have their Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration annotated to record their ability to practise as a prescriber.
Education providers with existing HCPC-approved prescribing programmes will now be able to admit paramedics. However, approval from the HCPC is still needed for any education provider wishing to start a new prescribing programme.
The HCPC is currently upgrading its registrant system to include the new annotation, with a planned completion date of September 2018. This will mean that annotation for paramedic registrants who have successfully completed an approved prescribing programme will be listed on the HCPC online register.
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